If they both fire plasma and use magnetic fields to keep it coherent, I don't see why that would be the case.
Though as far as I know they are not reverse engineered, just not cranked up to that extra level, although it doesn't matter too much either way.
Okay, so, yeah, here we go, I've found at least one of the fuckin' contradiction things. Says
here that "Pulse Weapons make use of micro-pulsed induction fields to propel a particle across a distance. The particle reacts by breaking down after being exposed to the effect of the field to create a plasma pulse as it leaves the barrel, thus allowing for lethal bursts of plasma to be fired over astonishing ranges. Whilst Plasma Weapons technology is used by many of the advanced intelligent races of the Milky Way Galaxy, despite its unstable nature, the Tau favour this form of the technology, which foregoes a degree of stopping power for the increased safety of the operator."
Meanwhile, says
here that "On firing, a ferromagnetic, solid slug is chambered from the magazine and turned into plasma by electromagnetic induction, as it would be relatively easy to alternate the coil current at frequencies sufficient enough to heat the coil to an extreme temperature while keeping it in the chamber. The solenoid is then charged fully, propelling the newly produced plasma out of the gun at an extreme velocity while keeping it cohesive. Though this electromagnetic field continues to keep the plasma together until impact, residual plasma is expelled from the barrel to produce the weapon's considerable muzzle flash. Maintenance of the field is also aided by a bolt-like apparatus, which increases the field strength and therefore the range."
Notice that last part, too. Literally on the same page it also says that "At the front of the weapon are the weapon's two muzzles, just behind which is a circular apparatus that looks like a large bolt head that serves as a recoil stabiliser."
Meanwhile on
Lexicanum, "The small circular device near the end of the barrel[3] - Gun Stabiliser[7] - is a housing for a gyroscope that is part of an aim-stabilization system that allows the rifle to remain steady on target and angled for optimal firing at distance, regardless of factors like shaking hands.[3]"
I guess what I've learned here today is that the Imperium still has no fucking clue how Pulse Rifles work. Which means neither do we. Emperor damnit, and Mon'tau take you. D:<